Toting type tool case

ABSTRACT

A toting type tool case includes a case receiving tools therein and a carrying strap toted by a user for carrying the case. The carrying strap has a friction buckle for adjusting length of the strap. Opposite ends of the carrying strap are removably attachable to opposite ends of the case. The carrying strap is provided, respectively at the ends thereof, with male and female buckle members that are engageable with each other. When the carrying strap is removed from the case, the carrying strap is convertible into a waist belt through engagement between the male and female buckle members for positioning tool pockets that hold tools by the waist of a user. The case may be provided with secondary male and female buckle members at top thereof for selectively engageable with the female and male buckle members of the strap for shoulder carrying.

(a) TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a toting type tool case, and more particularly to a toting type tool case that comprises a shoulder strap convertible into a waist belt for carrying tools.

(b) DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Hand tools are often received in a tool box or tool case in an organized manner to allow for easy access and use. The tool cases are generally classified as hand-carrying type, trolley types, and toting types, which meet different needs of applications. FIG. 1 of the attached drawings shows a conventional toting type tool case, which comprises a case 91 and a carrying strap 93. The case 91 receives and holds hand tools therein in an organized and classified fashion. The case 91 has a top having opposite ends forming rings 92 and the carrying strap 93 has opposite ends forming hooks 94 that are respectively engageable with the rings 92, whereby a user may use his or her shoulder to carry the carrying strap 93 for easy carrying of the case 91.

However, in case of climbing up and down, for safety purposes, it is generally not possible to use the toting type tool case and instead, a tool belt that wraps around the waist of a user is used to carry hand tools in tool pockets attached to the belt. Often, the tool belt is positioned in a tool case with the hand tools for easy access and use when needed.

Apparently, the conventional toting type tool case is not structured to integrate a carrying strap 93 with a waist belt. This leads to unnecessary repeated manufacturing and purchase. Thus, the present invention aims to provide a solution to such a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a toting type tool case, which comprises:

a case, which receives and holds therein hand tools in an organized and classified fashion, the case having a top having two ends that are respectively provided with hanger rings;

a carrying strap, which comprises a friction buckle mounted to a strap body for adjusting length of the carrying strap and has two ends respectively carrying hooks engageable with the hanger rings;

a male buckle member, which is mounted to one of the ends of the carrying strap; and

a female buckle member, which is mounted to another one of the ends of the carrying strap and is engageable with the male buckle member, whereby when the hooks are of carrying strap are released from the hanger rings, the carrying strap is convertible into a waist belt through engagement between the male buckle member and the female buckle member for positioning tool pockets that receive and hold tools therein by the waist of a user to allow the user to climb up and down for performing operation.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a toting type tool case, which comprises:

a case, which receives and holds therein hand tools in an organized and classified fashion, the case having a top having two ends that are respectively provided with a secondary male buckle member and a secondary female buckle member;

a carrying strap, which comprises a friction buckle mounted to a strap body for adjusting length of the carrying strap;

a male buckle member, which is mounted to an end of the carrying strap and is engageable with the secondary female buckle member; and

a female buckle member, which is mounted to an opposite end of the carrying strap and is engageable with the male buckle member, the female buckle member being selectively engageable with the secondary male buckle member, whereby when the male buckle member and the female buckle member are respectively released from the secondary female buckle member and the secondary male buckle member, the carrying strap is convertible into a waist belt through engagement made between the male buckle member and the female buckle member for positioning tool pockets that receive and hold tools therein by the waist of a user to allow the user to climb up and down for performing operation.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a tool case, which comprises:

a case, which receives and holds therein hand tools in an organized and classified fashion; and

at least one tool bag, which has a front surface forming pockets or sacks and a back surface forming a slide ring through which a waist belt is slidably extendable, the back surface of the tool bag being attachable to and removable from an end surface of the case.

The foregoing objectives and summary provide only a brief introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the following detailed description of the invention and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts.

Many other advantages and features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional tool case.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing a tool case constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing front surfaces of two tool bags according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the tool case of the present invention in an assembled form.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the two tool bags attached to a carrying strap for being pun on the waist of a user according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a different way of attaching the two tool bags to the tool case according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing a different embodiment of the present invention where two ends of a carrying strap are respectively attached to two ends of the tool case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions are exemplary embodiments only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the present invention comprises the following components:

A case comprises an inner shell 10, which is preferably a plastic molded unitary member, and a protective enclosure 20 enclosing an outside surface of the inner shell 10. The inner shell 10 forms an opening that faces generally upward to allow for deposition and removal of tools therein and therefrom. To structurally reinforce the inner shell 10, a support bar 11 is arranged in the opening and connecting opposite ends of the case. The inner shell 10 is provided with a hanger ring 12 at each end of the support bar 11 in such a way that the hanger rings 12 project beyond a top surface of the case. The protective enclosure 20 is provided with a liftable cover 21, which openably closes the opening of the inner shell 10. The liftable cover 21 and the protective enclosure 20 are respectively provided, at locations corresponding to each other, with a male hook-and-loop fastener 22 and a female hook-and-loop fastener 23 that are easily closed and opened in order to close the opening of the inner shell 10 with the liftable cover 21.

A carrying strap 30 comprises a friction buckle 31 that comprises an open frame and a strap body 32 that extends through the open frame. An end of the strap body 32 is folded for attaching to the friction buckle 31, whereby the friction buckle 31 is slidable along the strap body to adjust the length of the carrying strap 30. The carrying strap 30 has opposite ends to which loops 33 are respectively mounted. The loops 33 carry hooks 34, so that the hooks 34 on the opposite ends of the carrying strap 30 correspond to and are engageable with the hanger rings 12 arranged at opposite ends of the case. As such, the carrying strap 30 can be used by a user for shoulder carrying of the case.

A male buckle member 35 is mounted to one end of the carrying strap 30. The male buckle member 35 comprises two resilient retaining blocks 351 projecting therefrom.

A female buckle member 36 is mounted to an opposite end of the carrying strap 30. The female buckle member 36 forms a retention slot 361 for receiving and retaining the retaining blocks 351. The female buckle member 36 also forms access holes 362 that communicate between the retention slot 361 and the outside. The access holes 362 function for manual access and depression of the retaining blocks in order to release the retaining blocks 351 from the retention slot.

Two tool bags 40, 400 are provided, each having a back surface forming a belt slide ring 41 through which the carrying strap 30 is slidably extendable. One of the tool bags has a front surface forming tool pockets 42 that receive and hold tools therein, and another one of the tool bags 40 has a front surface forming sacks 43 for receiving and holding therein parts, such as nails, bolts, and other parts. The back surfaces of the two tool bags 40, 400 are provided with male hook-and-loop fastener 44 s, while the case is provided at opposite end surfaces thereof with corresponding female hook-and-loop fastener 45. As shown in FIG. 4, the two tool bags 40, 400 can be easily and removably attached to the two end surfaces of the case through the engagement between the male hook-and-loop fasteners 44 and the female hook-and-loop fasteners 45, whereby with the two tool bags 40, 400 added, the case may increase the carrying capacity thereof and also improve the organization and management of classification of tools and parts. Referring to FIG. 6, the two tool bags 40, 400 and the two end surfaces of the case may respectively and additionally provided with male snap members 46 and female snap member 47 to serve as an equivalent means for quick mounting and releasing of the two tool bags 40, 400.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the hooks 34 of the carrying strap 30 can be released from the hanger rings 12 of the case, so that the carrying strap 30 is separated from the case and can then be extended through the belt slide rings 41 of the two tool bags 40, 400. With the male buckle member 35 and the female buckle member 36 engaging each other, the carrying strap 30 can be converted into a waist band application to allow a user to carry the two tool bags 40, 400 on his or her waist side for facilitating for example climbing up and down. This avoids the need for purchasing an additional tool belt.

Referring to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the present invention is shown for illustrating a different way of coupling between the case and the carrying strap 30. In this embodiment, the case is provided at a top thereof with two connection loops 13 at opposite ends of the support bar 11. One of the connection loops 13 carries a secondary male buckle member 14, and the other connection loop 13 carries a secondary female buckle member 15. The secondary male buckle member 14 comprises resilient retaining blocks 141 that project upward to be received and retained in the retention slot 361 of the female buckle member 36 of the carrying strap 30. The secondary female buckle member 15 forms a retention slot 151 that receives and retains the male buckle member 35 of the carrying strap 30 therein and also forms access holes 152 that communicate the retention slot 151 and the outside. The access holes 152 function for manual access and depression of the retaining blocks 351 for releasing the retaining blocks 351. As such, the female buckle member 36 and the male buckle member 35 on the opposite ends of the carrying strap 30 are selectively engageable with the corresponding secondary male buckle member 14 and secondary female buckle member 15 provided at opposite ends of the case. This facilitates simplification of the overall structure.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above.

While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claim, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 

1. A toting type tool case comprising a case that is adapted to receive and hold tools therein and a carrying strap that is adapted to be toted by a user for carrying the case, wherein the carrying strap comprises a friction buckle for adjusting length of the carrying strap, the carrying strap having opposite ends removably attachable to opposite ends of the case; and wherein the carrying strap is provided, respectively at the ends thereof, with a male buckle member and a female buckle member that is engageable with the male buckle member, whereby when the two ends of the carrying strap are removed from the case, the carrying strap is convertible into a waist belt through engagement between the male buckle member and the female buckle member.
 2. The toting type tool case according to claim 1, wherein the case has a top having opposite ends each forming a hanger ring, the carrying strap comprising two loops respectively mounted to the ends thereof for carrying hooks, the hooks provided at the ends of the carrying strap being respectively engageable with the hanger rings provided at the ends of the case.
 3. The toting type tool case according to claim 2, wherein the case comprises a plastic-molded inner shell and a protective enclosure enclosing an outside surface of the inner shell, the inner shell forming an opening facing upward, a support bar being mounted to the inner shell at the opening, the inner shell comprising hanger rings respectively mounted to ends of the support bar, the protective enclosure comprising a liftable cover that openably closes the opening of the inner shell.
 4. The toting type tool case according to claim 1, wherein the male buckle member comprises resilient retaining blocks projecting therefrom, the female buckle member forming a retention slot for receiving and retaining the retaining blocks and access slots that communicate the retention slot and the outside for manual access and depression of the retaining blocks to selectively release the retaining blocks of the male buckle member.
 5. The toting type tool case according to claim 2, wherein the male buckle member comprises resilient retaining blocks projecting therefrom, the female buckle member forming a retention slot for receiving and retaining the retaining blocks and access slots that communicate the retention slot and the outside for manual access and depression of the retaining blocks to selectively release the retaining blocks of the male buckle member.
 6. The toting type tool case according to claim 5, wherein the case comprises a secondary male buckle member and a secondary female buckle member respectively provided at opposite ends of a top of the case, the male buckle member of the carrying strap being engageable with the secondary female buckle member, the female buckle member of the carrying strap being engageable with the secondary male buckle member to have the ends of the carrying strap to be attached to the opposite ends of the case to allow a user to carry the case.
 7. The toting type tool case according to claim 6, wherein the case comprises a plastic-molded inner shell and a protective enclosure enclosing an outside surface of the inner shell, the inner shell forming an opening facing upward, a support bar being mounted to the inner shell at the opening, connection loops being respectively mounted to ends of the support bar for respectively carrying a secondary male buckle member and a secondary female buckle member, the protective enclosure comprising a liftable cover that openably closes the opening of the inner shell.
 8. The toting type tool case according to claim 7, wherein the male buckle member comprises resilient retaining blocks projecting therefrom, the female buckle member forming a retention slot for receiving and retaining the retaining blocks and access slots that communicate the retention slot and the outside for manual access and depression of the retaining blocks to selectively release the retaining blocks of the male buckle member, the secondary male buckle member forming resilient retaining blocks projecting upward for being received and retained in the retention slot of the female buckle member of the carrying strap, the secondary female buckle member forming a retention slot for receiving and retaining the male buckle member of the carrying strap and access holes that communicate the retention slot and the outside for manual access and depression of and thus releasing the retaining blocks of the male buckle member.
 9. The toting type tool case according to claim 1, wherein the carrying strap comprises the friction buckle that comprises an open frame and a strap body extendable through the open frame, an end of the strap body being folded for attaching to the friction buckle, whereby the friction buckle is slidable along the strap body to adjust length of the carrying strap.
 10. The toting type tool case according to claim 2, wherein the carrying strap comprises the friction buckle that comprises an open frame and a strap body extendable through the open frame, an end of the strap body being folded for attaching to the friction buckle, whereby the friction buckle is slidable along the strap body to adjust length of the carrying strap.
 11. The toting type tool case according to claim 1 further comprising two tool bags, each of which has a back surface forming a belt slide ring through which the carrying strap is slidably extendable, the back surface of each of the tool bags being removably attachable to an end surface of the case.
 12. The toting type tool case according to claim 2 further comprising two tool bags, each of which has a back surface forming a belt slide ring through which the carrying strap is slidably extendable, the back surface of each of the tool bags being removably attachable to an end surface of the case.
 13. The toting type tool case according to claim 11, wherein the back surfaces of the tool bags are provided with male hook-and-loop fasteners, while the end surfaces of the case are provided with female hook-and-loop fasteners, whereby the two tool bags are readily attachable and removable.
 14. The toting type tool case according to claim 12, wherein the back surfaces of the tool bags are provided with male hook-and-loop fasteners, while the end surfaces of the case are provided with female hook-and-loop fasteners, whereby the two tool bags are readily attachable and removable.
 15. The toting type tool case according to claim 11, wherein the tool bags and the end surfaces of the case are respectively provided with male snap members and corresponding female snap members, whereby the two tool bags are readily attachable and removable.
 16. The toting type tool case according to claim 12, wherein the tool bags and the end surfaces of the case are respectively provided with male snap members and corresponding female snap members, whereby the two tool bags are readily attachable and removable.
 17. A toting type tool case, comprising: a case, which is adapted to receive and hold tools therein; a carrying strap, which is adapted to be carried by a user; and at least one tool bag, which has a front surface forming pockets and a back surface forming a belt slide ring through which a waist belt is extendable, the back surface of the tool bag being configured to be removably attachable to an end surface of the case.
 18. The toting type tool case according to claim 17, wherein the carrying strap comprises a friction buckle for adjusting length of the carrying strap, the carrying strap having opposite ends removably attachable to opposite ends of the case; and the carrying strap is provided, respectively at the ends thereof, with a male buckle member and a female buckle member that is engageable with the male buckle member, whereby when the two ends of the carrying strap are removed from the case, the carrying strap is convertible into a waist belt through engagement between the male buckle member and the female buckle member.
 19. The toting type tool case according to claim 18, wherein the case has a top having opposite ends each forming a hanger ring, the carrying strap comprising two loops respectively mounted to the ends thereof for carrying hooks, the hooks provided at the ends of the carrying strap being respectively engageable with the hanger rings provided at the ends of the case.
 20. The toting type tool case according to claim 18, wherein the case comprises a secondary male buckle member and a secondary female buckle member respectively provided at opposite ends of a top of the case, the male buckle member of the carrying strap being engageable with the secondary female buckle member, the female buckle member of the carrying strap being engageable with the secondary male buckle member to have the ends of the carrying strap to be attached to the opposite ends of the case to allow a user to carry the case.
 21. A toting type tool case, comprising: a case, which is adapted to receive and hold tools therein; a carrying strap, which is adapted to be carried by a user; and at least one tool bag, which has a front surface forming sacks and a back surface forming a belt slide ring through which a waist belt is extendable, the back surface of the tool bag being configured to be removably attachable to an end surface of the case.
 22. The toting type tool case according to claim 21, wherein the carrying strap comprises a friction buckle for adjusting length of the carrying strap, the carrying strap having opposite ends removably attachable to opposite ends of the case; and the carrying strap is provided, respectively at the ends thereof, with a male buckle member and a female buckle member that is engageable with the male buckle member, whereby when the two ends of the carrying strap are removed from the case, the carrying strap is convertible into a waist belt through engagement between the male buckle member and the female buckle member.
 23. The toting type tool case according to claim 22, wherein the case has a top having opposite ends each forming a hanger ring, the carrying strap comprising two loops respectively mounted to the ends thereof for carrying hooks, the hooks provided at the ends of the carrying strap being respectively engageable with the hanger rings provided at the ends of the case.
 24. The toting type tool case according to claim 22, wherein the case comprises a secondary male buckle member and a secondary female buckle member respectively provided at opposite ends of a top of the case, the male buckle member of the carrying strap being engageable with the secondary female buckle member, the female buckle member of the carrying strap being engageable with the secondary male buckle member to have the ends of the carrying strap to be attached to the opposite ends of the case to allow a user to carry the case. 